While Santa Cruz City Schools open classes this week, teachers are being asked to take action during a pay dispute.

The president of the Greater Santa Cruz Federation of Teachers has called for a symbolic protest against what the organization sees as the district's unwillingness to give them their fair share of unanticipated revenue.

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The district's 450 teachers are being asked not to volunteer their services, which includes tutoring students or participate in other volunteer work.

However, Santa Cruz City Schools Superintendent Gary Bloom says the district is working hard to give staff pay raises.

"It’s unfortunate that the union choose to escalate early in the game. We’re not concerned about it. We’re confident moving forward. We really believe it’s a good relationship with our employees and our employees bargaining unit," Bloom said.